Warm clothing donations still needed across Kamloops
Jan 14, 2020 | 4:09 PM
Adam Donnelly
KAMLOOPS – Agencies across the city are working to ensure those in need can survive in these frigid temperatures. That includes the BC SPCA Second Chance Thrift Stores.
Throughout the winter, they’ve been collecting clothes, shoes, jackets, and other winter essentials to build kindness kits. However, with this recent snap of arctic weather we’ve been experiencing, they’ve decided to forgo making any more kits. Instead, they’re giving the items directly to the agencies who need them for immediate distribution.
“We’re fortunate that we have volunteers that can get [the clothes] down [to ASK Wellness] and allow people to switch out clothes or add a layer of clothing,” Bonnie McBride at Second Chances explains. “There are lots of socks; there are lots of winter coats and gloves and hoodies and things in the bags, they’ve just got to get out there right now.”
Around 40 bags of clothing were transported from Second Chances in Valleyview to ASK Wellness Tuesday afternoon. While the weather is set to remain cold for the next few nights, later this week, temperatures could rise. If that’s the case, more clothes will be needed to ensure the needs in the city are met.
Image Credit: CFJC Today
“Wet clothes are the most dangerous clothes. That’s when it’s important for people to go and get a warm, dry set of clothes,” McBride says. “We’re always taking donations for this type of thing. We’re always behind on pants and warm coats and hoodies. That outside layer is the most important one.”
McBride says if you have any items you can donate, you can take them to Second Chance Thrift Store or drop them off at an agency of your choice.
